Staff and Research Assistant/Associate

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute (RRPFI) is the sole nonprofit organization created by President Reagan charged with advancing his legacy and principles – individual liberty, economic opportunity, freedom and democracy, peace through strength, and national pride. 

A globally recognized nonpartisan organization based in Simi Valley, CA, with a leading policy institute in Washington, DC, RRPFI delivers impactful public affairs programming, policy convenings and projects of national and international significance, scholarly initiatives, and distinctive educational programming shaping the perspectives of middle, high school, and college students. 

In addition, RRPFI sustains the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, the largest and most visited presidential library. A leading cultural institution, RRPFI houses a remarkable 125,000 square foot museum with unique historical pieces that tells the story of Ronald Reagan’s life, presidency, and enduring impact, and hosts world-class special exhibitions.  More information is available at www.reaganfoundation.org. 

Job Description

The Ronald Reagan Institute in Washington, D.C. seeks a full-time Staff and Research Associate to support the Director of Scholarly Initiatives (DSI). We are looking for a self-motivated individual with experience in academic and research settings. Familiarity with archival research and practices is important. Strong writing, organizational, and communication skills are essential to the position. Their chief responsibility will be to assist the DSI in the administration of the postdoctoral fellowship program, the Age of Reagan Conference and working groups, the Academy for Civics Education and Democracy (ACED), and the Rendezvous with History Podcast. Their secondary responsibility will be to support the DSI in research and special projects. 

Duties and Responsibilities

The Staff and Research Associate will be expected to perform the following specific duties and responsibilities related to this position and any duties hereafter assigned: 

Administrative & General Support 

• Schedule appointments for DSI and maintain relevant calendars

• Support the ACED program through scheduling, grading, student engagement, internship coordination, etc.

• Assist with correspondence, expense reports, invoices

• Logistics and content organization for the Age of Reagan Conference and Presidential Leadership Symposium

• Support all RRI events and relevant programs as directed by the DSI

• Expertly leverage all CRM and database platforms including Airtables, Google Drive, Salesforce, etc.  

Research & Special Projects

• Assist in research for DSI’s book project(s). This may include archival research, analysis of relevant research, writing research briefs, and the coordination of research groups to assist the DSI.

• Assist the DSI with drafting memos, presentations, podcasts, testimony, articles and speeches

• Pursue their own research projects as directed by the DSI

• Support DSI outreach efforts with universities, publishers, archives, foundations, government partners, etc. 

Qualifications/Characteristics

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred

• Research experience

• The successful candidate must be passionate about President Ronald Reagan’s legacy and principles.  

• Computer proficiency in all Microsoft Office programs required

• Fluency with cloud-based platforms and environments (i.e. Google Drive)

• Ability to organize digital files

• Knowledge of operation of standard office equipment

• Organizational skills with attention to detail and high level of accuracy

• Strong work and time management skills, including flexibility and adaptability

• Collaborative, works well within and across teams

• Proven ability to think strategically and adapt well to change

• Excellent communication, writing, organizational, and administrative skills

• Efficient, effective, and energetic with autonomy and limited direction or daily management from supervisor and/or teammates

• Familiarity with Adobe Suite and Apple computers and software

• Ease with computer and mobile applications

• Ability to maintain a professional image and represent the organization well on the phone, through email contacts and at all events/programs

Salary, Benefits and Job Location

This is an exempt regular full-time position, offering a competitive salary and excellent benefits, including paid vacation, a health/dental plan, and retirement benefits. This position will report to the Director of Scholarly Initiatives at the Ronald Reagan Institute in Washington, D.C., but periodic travel is required.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

To apply, please send a thoughtful cover letter, resume, writing sample, and salary history/requirements to rrinstitutejobs@reaganfoundation.org. Please, no telephone calls, all applications must be submitted via email.

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.